urine mattress

Wondering how to clean your mattress of stains? Here are a few tips to get you going.

Although no one certainly likes to talk about it, mattresses can get some ugly and smelly stains on them. If you’re a parent, then you likely can tell some tales about your child’s not-so-nice bed-wetting issues and other accidents, and attest to the fact that mattress cleaning is not the most likeable household chore. Nonetheless, it’s important to remove these stains as quickly as possible.

How to Clean a Mattress and Get Rid of Stains

The products used in the removal of stains depend upon the type of stain, and milder products should always be utilized first before trying stronger ones. First of all, if the warranty on your mattress covers stains, then you need not go through these steps at all. However, if the warranty does not offer this coverage or has expired, then get ready to do a little work.

The first method that you should try on any stain is called the dry suds method. You will need a ¼ cup of mild powdered laundry detergent, a cup of warm water, and an egg beater or other object to rapidly stir the mixture into sudsy foam. Once you have obtained lots of suds, lift some of the foam off the top with a damp sponge and begin to rub it into the stain. Continue rubbing until the stain disappears. You may re-apply additional foam, but be careful to keep the sponge as dry as possible so as not to soak the fabric. Once the stain is removed, wait for the area to dry completely before putting the sheets back on.

Mattress Cleaning and Some Stubborn Stains

If the stain is stubborn, and does not want to lift out of the fabric with the dry suds method, try using upholstery cleaner. Although upholstery cleaner is quite strong, it may be your only resort. Use it carefully. Try to find a biologically-based cleaner that uses enzymes to break down dirt and stains. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and then allow the mattress to dry thoroughly.

Some stains, such as blood, may require even stronger treatments. One of the best ways to remove blood stains from a mattress is the use of hydrogen peroxide. You may wish to test a tiny area of the mattress before beginning the process. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide is bleach, and if you don’t want the area that you are treating to turn white, then don’t use it. After applying the hydrogen peroxide, which should now be bubbling, pat the stain with a white towel, working from the outer edges inward. Keep doing so until the entire stain is removed.

Hydrogen peroxide can also be used for urine stains, or you can try white vinegar, which is a lot less caustic. After cleaning, you may also wish to cover the stained area with baking soda to help neutralize any odors. Rub the soda into the fabric so that it goes down as deep as possible.

And there you have it. If you’ve been wondering how to clean a mattressand rid it of those not-so-pleasant stains, hopefully these tips will be useful for you the next time you hear words like, “Mom, I had an accident.”

Urine stains on a mattress can come from accidents by young children, pets or the sick and elderly. For health reasons it is important to know how to get urine out of a mattress. In addition to leaving a foul odor, urine carries bacteria that lead to fungus and mold if left untreated. There are chemical commercial products available that help remove urine. Home treatments will often effectively do the job with just a little knowledge about cleaning a mattress that has been soiled with urine.

Steam Clean Your Mattress

Most homeowners already own a steam carpet cleaner. When a urine accident happens they may wonder how to clean a mattress using the machine. A steam cleaner can be used along with a cleaning agent to take out not only the stain, but also the bacteria. Lay the mattress on the floor to use the cleaner using the recommended heat settings. The cleaner will suck up most of the liquid cleanser and urine. The mattress should then be left to air dry. Some people put the mattress in the room with a fan in order to speed up the drying time. The stain and odor from the urine should be gone when the mattress is completely dry.

Rubbing Alcohol to Clean A Mattress

Another suggestion for people who would like to know how to get urine out of a mattress is to try rubbing alcohol. Alcohol is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic. Although it probably will not remove the stain, it will kill the bacteria that are present. Applying the alcohol with a spray bottle allows it to dry even more quickly. Be sure to use alcohol with no coloring to avoid further staining.

Liquid Detergent or Shampoo and Mattresses

Cleaning products found right in the home can help to get urine out of a mattress. If the stain is new it can usually be removed with liquid detergent or even shampoo diluted with a small amount of water. These products clean the mattress and also leave a fresh scent. One good tip for how to clean a mattress is to take the mattress to the garage or basement and stand it against the wall. Applying the cleanser is less back breaking and the liquid has less chance of soaking in.

Distilled Vinegar to Clean a Mattress

Clear vinegar has been an answer to prayer for how to get urine out of a mattress for decades. Vinegar also has antiseptic properties that will kill bacteria and neutralize odor. Like alcohol, it does not remove stains. Those have successfully used vinegar as the solution to how to clean a mattress suggest applying a small amount, making sure the edges of the stain are covered.

Here are some tips on how to clean a mattress utilizing any of the above methods. If the urine is still wet, soak up as much of the liquid as possible with a dry towel before cleaning. After cleaning make sure the mattress is completely dry before using. Taking it outdoors in the sun is one of the best ways to do this. Sprinkling baking soda or odor remover will eliminate any odor left after applying these suggestions.